Unveiling the Incredible Uses of Neem Oil!

             Photo credit: courtesy 

Don't let the picture scare you..you can make this at home here

Fellow nature enthusiasts, if you're as passionate about natural remedies and sustainable solutions a way of combating climatechange effects as I am, then this article  is for you! You're going to love this article, where I  delve into the captivating world of neem oil and its myriad applications. 

What is neem oil?

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Neem oil is a naturally occurring substance(drug) found in neem seeds from the neem tree( Azadirachta indica). It is yellow to brown in colour, has a bitter taste, and a garlic/sulfur smell. It has been used for hundreds of years to control pests and diseases, as a beauty product, cleaning agent etc. Components of neem oil can be found in many products today: toothpaste, cosmetics, soaps, and pet shampoos. Neem oil is a mixture of components i.e. #Azadirachtin, the most active component for repelling and killing pests and hydrophobic neem oil. 

Nature's hidden treasure.

Neem oil, often referred to as nature's hidden treasure, is a powerhouse with an array of applications that have left me thoroughly impressed. Let's dive into the magic it holds:

1.Guardian of Gardens, the best alternative for chemical pesticides

Bid farewell to chemical-laden insect repellents – neem oil is your new green guardian! Safeguard your precious plants from pest invaders by using neem oil as a non-toxic insect repellent. A gentle neem oil solution application will shield your plants and keep them thriving.

2. Garden's Nutrient Booster, best alternative for chemical fertilizers: 

Neem oil isn't limited to pest control – it's also a natural fertilizer enhancer. Nurture your plants by enriching the soil with neem oil, boosting nutrient absorption, and witnessing vibrant, flourishing growth.

3. Skincare's Best Choice: 

Say good bye to chemical on your skin, ladies. Neem oil works wonders for those battling acne and seeking skin care. Its antimicrobial powers tackles the ugly pimples, while its soothing touch alleviates irritated skin, creating a spa-like experience right in your home.Neem oil steps up as a soothing solution for minor skin irritations. Its anti-inflammatory nature aids in reducing redness and discomfort, promoting speedy recovery from cuts, scrapes, and burns.

4. Hair's Best Mate: 

Your glorious crown deserves the best, and neem oil delivers, just that. Elevate your hair care routine by blending a few drops of neem oil with your shampoo or conditioner. Witness a healthier scalp, as neem oil's antibacterial properties combat dandruff and itchiness, while its nourishing touch promotes robust locks, hey Rastafarians.

5. Perfect pet-cleaner: 

I don't love furry pets, but I guess you do. They deserve protection too! Neem oil comes to the rescue as a natural flea and tick repellent for your pets. Prioritize their well-being by diluting neem oil and using it cautiously in your bathing routine – always consult your vet before introducing new products.

6. Eco-friendly home cleaning agent

Embrace a greener way of cleaning! Mix neem oil with water and a hint of soap to craft a natural household cleaner that's not only effective against common pests like ants and cockroaches, but also boasts antibacterial properties for a cleaner living space.

Before embarking on your neem oil journey, remember to conduct a patch test to avoid any potential reactions. Nature has gifted us a remarkable ally – let's embrace its versatility and explore its endless possibilities together!  Share your neem oil experiences and insights in the comments below. Let's create a greener, more natural world! 

To see how you can prepare neem oil at home, click on this link The simplest Neem oil making guide

Simplest Neem Oil Extraction Guide

 

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This article simply outlines how a local farmers in Kenya can make neem oil for local use at their capacity in various ways.

Here are the steps:

Identify a good seed source: Scout for healthy trees with healthy and mature seeds. Seeds shouldn't be infected with any disease or attacked by pests.

Harvest Neem Seeds: Collect ripe neem seeds from neem trees. Make sure they are fully mature and have a dark brown color.

Dry Seeds: Allow the collected seeds to dry thoroughly in the sun. This helps reduce moisture content and prevents fungal growth.

Extract Seeds: Remove the outer shell of the dried neem seeds to extract the kernels inside.

Drying Kernels: Sun-dry the neem kernels until they are completely dry.

Extract Oil: Grind or crush the dried neem kernels to create a coarse powder. This powder is then subjected to oil extraction using a cold-press or expeller-press method. The oil is extracted by applying pressure and without using heat to preserve its properties.

Filter : Filter the extracted oil to remove any solid particles or impurities.

Settle: Allow the filtered oil to settle in a clean container. This helps separate any water or remaining impurities from the oil. The clearer oil will rise to the top.

Bottle: Carefully transfer the clarified neem oil into clean, dark-colored bottles or containers. Seal them tightly to prevent air and light exposure, which can degrade the oil.

Store: Store the neem oil in a clean, dry, and dark container. Protect it from direct sunlight and heat to maintain its potency.

Usage: Neem oil can be used as a natural pesticide, insect repellent, and in various cosmetic and medicinal applications.

Remember, this is a simplified outline. The actual process may require specific equipment and techniques. Additionally, local regulations and best practices should be followed to ensure the safety and quality of the neem oil.

Why cold press? 

Cold pressing involves extracting oil from seeds or nuts without using heat. Here's a general overview of how you can cold press neem oil. It's important to note that cold pressing helps retain the natural flavor, color, and nutritional value of the oil. However, for neem oil, the process may vary based on the equipment available and the scale of production. Also, cold pressing may not yield as much oil as other methods like solvent extraction, but it's a more natural and eco-friendly approach. Always ensure that you follow proper safety precautions while operating the equipment and handling the oil.

Cold Pressing without presser or special machines 

You can press the seeds without any machine but with locally available material as a farmer

If you want to cold press neem seeds without using a machine and rely on locally available materials, you can try a traditional method known as "mortar and pestle" extraction. Here's a basic outline of how you could do this:

Materials Needed:

1. Neem seeds (cleaned and dried)
2. Mortar and pestle
3. Filter cloth or fine mesh
4. Clean containers for collecting oil
5. Muslin cloth or cheesecloth

Pressing 

Place a small batch of dried neem seeds in the mortar.Use the pestle to crush and grind the seeds into a coarse powder. Apply consistent pressure and keep grinding until you have a coarse consistency.

Oil Extraction:

Transfer the crushed neem seeds onto a clean piece of muslin cloth or filter cloth.

Fold the cloth around the crushed seeds to create a bundle.

Squeeze and press the bundle to extract the oil. You can do this by twisting and squeezing the cloth to apply pressure. The oil will seep out through the cloth.

Filtration:

Collect the oil that comes out of the cloth and allow it to settle in a clean container.

To further filter the oil and remove any remaining solids, you can strain it through a fine mesh or several layers of clean muslin cloth.

Settling and Storage:

Allow the filtered oil to sit and settle in the container. Water and any remaining impurities will separate from the oil and settle at the bottom.

Carefully pour off the clearer oil from the top and transfer it into clean, dark-colored bottles or containers.

Remember that this method may require some physical effort and may not yield a large quantity of oil compared to machine-based extraction methods. Additionally, the quality of the oil may vary based on the effectiveness of the manual extraction process. It's important to maintain cleanliness and hygiene throughout the process to ensure the quality and safety of the extracted neem oil.

To read about how to apply neem oil, click here